Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Sitka Kelvin vs MontBell

Im looking for a lightweight and very warm insulation layer. What's the pros and cons of these two? If montbell, which jacket?

Jeremy,

I have used the Mont-Bell Thermawrap Parks since it 1st came out and love it. It goes with me 12 months of the year and is often part of my sleep system as well as being my main insulation layer.

That said, I wouldn't call it "very warm." It is very warm for the weight and bulk, but it's not a belay type jacket.

For times when I want a super warm layer, I go with either the Rab Nutrino, a Feathered Friends or the warmest of all a Black Ice that is like -40 sleeping bag in a parka, baffles & all.

For insulation while moving as when I am hunting, backpacking etc, I prefer the synthetic Thermawrap. For winter camping one of the down parkas would usually come along although the Thermawrap does too.

For part of a sleep system, I prefer the synthetic parka inside a down bag.

If you specify your uses, needs and expected temperatures, I could get more specific.

Montbell Alpine Light in either version (hooded or non-hooded)

Montbell Permafrost

Both are down, shed moisture long enough to throw your shell on, light and packable. Very warm.

Wait for a sale, then bite.

MtnHtr

Really depends on what type and where your hunting is going to be. If mostly in a damp/wet environment you would be well served with a synthetic insulation. The Kelvin on sale for $160 appears to be a good option if camo is a priority for you. I have an ID Rundle with a camo outershell that a local gear dealer special ordered a bunch of and it works great.

For a cheap option look up this:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Ultra-Pack-Synthetic-Down-Jacket/725203.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dsynthetic%2Bdown%26x%3D0%26y%3D0&Ntt=synthetic+down

I have owned both the Montbell Thermawrap and the Cabelas and found the Cabelas to be warmer, but of course heavier.

Take a look at www.highcalibergear.com. They have some of their Montbell gear of sale including the Alpine Light Down jacket. The Down Inner parka is on my Christmas list. Hopefully the wife will strike and order it before the sale is over, or they're gone.

About 95% of my hunting is in dry weather so water is not an issue. I have rain gear also if need be. Thanks for the input and if there is any other puffy jacket I should consider please let me know.
Jeremy

Keep in mind the Montbell jackets I listed are very light and packable but it comes with a price - they won't hold up to any brushbusting. I pack mine along and use when in camp or sitting/glassing. Once I'm on the move, the MB jacket comes off and goes back in the pack.

If weight and compactness are not an issue I would just spring for a Cabelas outfitter Berber fleece pullover. And pack a good light down vest (Montbell just revamped their Alpine Light down vest) with a rain shell.

MtnHtr

I'm currently using the Cabelas wooltimate jacket and looking for something that will pack much better.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Outfitters-Wooltimate8482-WindShear8482-Jacket/734986.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dwooltimate%26x%3D0%26y%3D0&Ntt=wooltimate

I have both the MB Thermawrap and the Alpine Light parka. The Thermawrap will compress down smaller than a Nalgene and the parka a little bigger than a Nalgene. If you want something really warm, I'd go with the Alpine Light parka. The hood on the parka is very nice and really keeps the heat in. They do run a little small so keep that in mind if you want to wear over other layers when glassing. I ordered one size up on mine.

Keep watching Prolitegear and Highcalibergear. They will eventually go on sale.

JeremyKS,

Check your PMs.

MtnHtr